DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT A number of experiments were laid out at Kund and Sharan to study seed production distribution, viability and losses of seed affecting natural regeneration of Abies pindrow in the moist temperate forests of Pakistan. Seed production from mature and over- mature tree crops (150-200 years old) is numerically adequate (upto 136 seeds /m2) in some years. However, the amount of viable seeds does not exceed 15% (20 seeds per m2). Seed production in 1987 at Kund was seven times higher then in 1988. No seed was produced in 1989, indicating that a 2 or more years seeding cycle is likely to be occurring in natural stands. Data for Kund (136 seeds /m2) and Sharan (320 seeds/m2) for the 1987 indicated that large variation in seed production exists between the localities. Field observations also revealed that Abies pindrow does not a persistent seed bank and seed remains viable for less then a year in natural stands. 97% of seeds are lost due to rodents, birds and microbial attacks. The results indicated that low seed viability with seed losses must have been a major factor in the poor regeneration in fir forest, even if other soil and micro-climatic conditions were favorable.